A football coach who was told at birth he would never be able to walk has raised more than £23,000 for charity after completing his second long distance race within a year.

Patrick Barden, 24, has set his sights on the New York Marathon after conquering the Manchester Half Marathon to raise funds for the Strood charity Step and Learn, which provides education for children with cerebral palsy and motor difficulties and for which he is a trustee.

The sports and exercise science graduate, who has cerebral palsy, was invited to take part in the Manchester race after completing the London Marathon in April.

Patrick, of Pear Tree Lane, Shorne, said: “Nobody expected me to do the marathon and it is a challenge.

“I was told from birth that I would never walk. It was very good, the atmosphere was incredible. I enjoyed training, getting fitter and stronger.
It helps me in my day-to-day life.

“I’m thrilled. I got to prove that anything is possible.”

The former Rochester Maths Grammar School pupil, who took part in a charity sky dive in 2012, said: “It is just the start. There are other things that I want to do.

“I don’t see myself as a role model. I want every child to get the opportunity that I got when I was a child. I don’t really get nervous. I was very excited before the race.”

Patrick’s dad, Colin Barden, 53, also of Pear Tree Lane, said: “It’s fantastic. That is what Patrick has been like. You tell him no when you think he can’t do it but he goes and does it. He’s really determined.”

To donate towards Patrick’s cause click here.

Patrick has been named the South East winner in the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards. The finals take place today (Monday).